First World War

'Fall in. Answer now in your country's hour of need', 1914

1914: To arms

The outbreak of war in August 1914 was greeted with enthusiasm in Britain. But to meet its commitment to its allies, the nation would have to expand its small professional army and make it ready for war as quickly as possible.

Douglas Haig: The chief

Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig commanded the British Army when it achieved arguably its greatest victories, those over the Germans on the Western Front. But for many his leadership was marked by unacceptable losses.

Christmas greetings from the front line

Here we look at some of the Christmas cards sent by soldiers during the First World War, and how they helped ease the pressures of life on the front line.

A First World War Christmas

Soldiers throughout the First World War found ways to maintain morale and mark the festive season while separated from their loved ones.

Allied soldiers on the roof of a captured A7V tank, 1918

1918: Year of victory

The German Spring Offensive saw mobile warfare return to the Western Front. Despite early gains, the Germans exhausted themselves, setting the stage for a successful Allied counter-offensive.

Field Marshal Lord Allenby of Megiddo and Felixstowe, c1925

Edmund Allenby: The bull

General Sir Edmund Allenby led the British Empire to victory in the Middle East in 1918. He successfully pioneered the combined use of infantry, cavalry and aeroplanes at the Battle of Megiddo.

Hellfire Corner: A sign of the times

One of our most iconic First World War objects is the signboard used to mark the infamous ‘Hellfire Corner’, a busy and dangerous junction near Ypres.

9th Hodson's Horse in General Chauvel's march through Damascus, 1918

Battle of Megiddo

Fought in September 1918, this was the climactic battle of the Sinai and Palestine campaign of the First World War. Ottoman forces found themselves encircled by British Empire forces under General Edmund Allenby.

Battle of Loos

The Battle of Loos took place on the Western Front in September-October 1915. At the time, it was the largest British offensive of the First World War.

Mark I tank C19 in Chimpanzee Valley during the Battle of Flers Courcelette, 1916

Attack of the tanks

In September 1916, the face of battle changed forever. On an unsuspecting enemy, Britain unleashed its new secret weapon - the tank.

Battle of Passchendaele

In July 1917, the British and French launched a massive offensive near the Belgian city of Ypres. The bitter struggle that followed came to symbolize the horrors of trench warfare.

Stepping into line

As the entire nation mobilised for the First World War, women took up new challenges. Many of these opportunities had previously been off limits, including military service.

Explore First World War events

Talk

3 Jul 2026 FREE

Newfoundland, Memory and the Somme

Join historian Julia Laite as she explores Newfoundland’s experience of the First World War and the lasting legacy of Beaumont Hamel.

Two soldiers of the 15th Lancers (Cureton’s Multanis) sitting on the ground, 1915

Members Only

3 Jul 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Members’ Preview

Enjoy an exclusive preview of the upcoming exhibition 'Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army' with lead curator Anna Lavelle.

Sepoy Harnam Singh of the 34th Sikh Pioneers, 1915

Exhibition

7 Jul 2026 - 21 Feb 2027 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army

Through a unique selection of intimate sketches, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse of everyday life for soldiers serving far from home during the First World War.

Soldiers of the 57th Wilde's Rifles, January 1915

Talk

10 Jul 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Curator’s Introduction

Anna Lavelle, lead curator of the new exhibition ‘Drawn on the Western Front’, explores the wartime work of French artist Paul Sarrut.

Military policemen of the 3rd (Lahore) Division, France, November 1914

Spotlight

11 Jul 2026 FREE

Sarrut Spotlight

To mark the opening of our new exhibition, ‘Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army’, join us for a day of talks, tours and activities.

Challenge

11-14 Aug 2026 FREE

Game On: First World War

Delve into the fascinating history of the First World War with our giant, interactive board game. Take on our challenge to make it to the end and beat the game.

People feeling the textures of items in the handling collection

Workshop

5 Sep 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Sensory Session

Discover more about the contribution of Indian soldiers through a sensory session led by our Community Engagement Team.

Tour

12 Sep 2026 £2.00

Drawn on the Western Front: BSL Tour

Follow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of our exhibition ‘Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army’.